According to a campaigner involved in Channel 4’s Dirty Business, untreated sewage is reportedly surfacing on streets, criticizing the Environment Agency for inadequate action.
Ash Smith accused the regulator of neglecting its duty, suggesting that grassroots activists are conducting necessary waterway monitoring instead.
The efforts of Ash and Prof Peter Hammond from Windrush Against Sewage Pollution to uncover the issue of sewage discharge into rivers are prominently featured in Channel 4’s compelling three-part series.
The program also highlights the struggle of Julie Maughan, whose daughter contracted E.coli after visiting a Devon beach in 1999, resulting in her tragic death two weeks later. South West Water has denied responsibility for the incident.
Diving deep into water companies’ actions with the aid of whistleblowers, Ash and Peter, portrayed by David Thewlis and Jason Watkins in the series, have spent a decade investigating the matter.
Appearing on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, Ash emphasized the lack of significant change despite persistent calls for action, pointing out ongoing pollution incidents reported to the Environment Agency without proper response.
Highlighting the dangers of untreated sewage laden with harmful bacteria, Ash expressed concern about sewage resurfacing in manholes on streets, posing a risk to public health.
Prof Hammond hopes the drama will incite public outrage and push for governmental intervention, advocating for public ownership and control to address the profit-driven nature of the water industry.
In response, an Environment Agency spokesperson defended the agency’s efforts, citing significant organizational improvements to combat water pollution, with increased inspections and prosecutions against offending water companies.
This year, Thames Water will face sentencing for multiple sewage discharges, while the Environment Agency has conducted numerous prosecutions resulting in substantial fines against water and sewerage companies in recent years.
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